CCBC Essex is pleased to have in residence Maryland Arts Access, a non-profit organization providing audio description for the visually impaired at performing arts events throughout Maryland.
May 2008 Schedule of Events
The Color Purple
By Marsha Norman
Music and lyrics by Grammy Brenda Russell, Allee Willis and Stephen Bray
Choreography by Donald Byrd.
Directed by Gary Griffin
Hippodrome Theatre at the France-Merrick Performing Arts Center
Audio Described Performance: Thursday, May 8 at 8:00 P.M.
Audio Describer: Robert Gist, MAAI
From the classic Pulitzer Prize-winning novel by Alice Walker, and the moving film by Steven Spielberg, comes a soul-stirring new musical and landmark Broadway event. THE COLOR PURPLE is an inspiring family saga that tells the unforgettable story of a woman who – through love – finds the strength to triumph over adversity and discover her unique voice in the world. Set to a joyous score featuring jazz, ragtime, gospel and blues, THE COLOR PURPLE is a story of hope, a testament to the healing power of love and a celebration of life.
Tickets and Information: Director of Theatre Services: 443-703-2422, www.france-merrickpac.com
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These Shining Lives
Written by Melanie Marnich
Directed by David Schweizer
Centerstage
Audio Described: Wednesday, May 7 at 1:00 P.M., Sunday, May 18 at 7:30 P.M., Sunday, May 25 at 2:00 PM, Wednesday, May 28 at 8:00 PM
Audio Describer: Provided by Maryland Arts Access
The Twenties are roaring and the women of the Radium Dial Company have found steady work in comfortable conditions at extraordinary pay. Over time, though, their apparent good fortune gives way to a crippling reality. With tremendous dignity and integrity, four fiercely determined friends organize and fight back against corporate deceit and criminal cowardice—with everything to lose, and nothing to gain but the truth. A world premiere play from a bright new voice in American theater.
Tickets and Information: (410) 332-0033 (voice), (410) 332-4240 (TTY), www.centerstage.org or access@centerstage.org
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Madama Butterfly
By Giacomo Puccini
Sung in Italian with English surtitles
Baltimore Opera Company - Lyric Opera House
Audio Described: Wednesday, May 14 at 7:30 P.M., Friday May 16 at 8:15 P.M., Sunday May18 at 3:00 P.M.
Audio Describer: Provided by Maryland Arts Access
Libretto by Giuseppe Giacosa and Luigi Illica
Based on the play of the same name by David Belasco, which was based on a story by John Luther Long.
One of the most popular operas of all time - Madama Butterfly is based on an incident as reported in the Nagasaki newspaper shortly before World War I. Butterfly, a fifteen-year-old geisha, forsakes all for Pinkerton, an American Naval Officer. Pinkerton's ship leaves Japan for a three year tour, but when he returns to collect their son, he brings his American wife. Butterfly does the honorable thing and takes her own life.
Tickets and Information: www.baltimoreopera.com or (410) 727-6000 (voice)
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Art
By YASMINA REZA
Directed by JEREMY SKIDMORE
Everyman Theatre
Audio Described, Saturday, May 24 at 2:00 PM
Audio Describer: Provided by Maryland Arts Access
Friends Serge, Marc and Yvan begin to pick apart the seams of their 15-year friendship when Serge buys an expensive modern painting of white lines on white canvas. The all-but-blank canvas becomes the centerpiece of a funny and ultimately penetrating discussion of how we are defined: by ourselves, our possessions, and our friends. This sophisticated, stimulating, and moving comedy won the 1998 Tony Award® for Best Play and the 1996 Olivier Award for Best Comedy.
Tickets and Information: To request a describer contact www.everymantheatre.org , or (410) 752-2208 (voice)
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A New Brain
music & lyrics by William Finn
book by William Fin & James Lapine
directed & choreographed by David Gregory
musical direction by Michelle Dunkle
Audrey Herman Spotlighters Theatre
Audio Described on request – Performances: April 25 – May 18, 2007
Friday and Saturday at 8pm and Sunday at 2pm,
Thursday, May 15 and May 24 at 8PM.
Audio Describer: Provided by Maryland Arts Access
When a frustrated, neurotic composer is faced with the possibility of a terminal illness, he finds comfort in the healing power of music - - - from his hospital bed, the depths of an MRI, . . . even from his coma. See how an angry nurse, a homeless woman and a dancing frog show us valuable lessons about what we take for granted each day!
Tickets and Information: 410-752-1225, or www.spotlighters.org.
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To find out more, call the Arts Access office at 410-918-4224.
